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Library replacement approved for state funding; Mobile Market to move to Community Park during construction
Summary
The Ruth Enlow Library final funding application for FY2026 was submitted and its environmental assessment approved; the library will operate temporarily at the Senior Center and groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2024. The council approved relocating the Mobile Market to the Community Park parking areas beginning in September.
Thomas Vose, director of the Ruth Enlow Library, told the Friendsville council on July 15 that the library applied to the state for the final portion of FY2026 funding and that the environmental assessment has been approved. Vose said the library will temporarily use the Senior Center while demolition and construction are completed, and that groundbreaking is scheduled for Oct. 1, 2024.
Library branch manager Melissa Custer said the Mobile Market that began serving Friendsville in 2023 must move during construction. The council approved using the lower parking lot and the circle drive in the Community Park for the Mobile Market trailer starting in September (Motion #4). The motion was moved by Council member Sheryl MacLane, seconded by Council member James Hook, and passed 6–0.
County planning comments circulated to the council noted that Friendsville’s zoning ordinance does not specify required library parking; Assistant County planner Chad Fike advised that required spaces depend on seating or floor area and that the town must determine whether to grant a variance or allow on-street parking. The council requested more information from Thomas Vose before responding to county staff.
No construction contracts or final parking approvals were authorized at the July 15 meeting; council members directed staff to gather required details and return with recommendations.
